Evie is thankful for... lollipops?!?

What a lovely Thanksgiving we had! The family traveled up to New Jersey to celebrate at Bebe and Popi's new house. Before leaving on Wednesday, though, Evie models her turkey pajamas and Native American headdress she made at school. Mommy is looking forward to a new headdress every year (see last year's)!

In the morning, Evie assisted in feeding Ellie her first taste of pears, which she seemed to enjoy a lot!

Popi, Tootsie and Opa enjoy some appetizers before the big meal (well, Tootsie just gazed longingly at the cheese).

Meanwhile, Ellie looks like she has eyes on the cheese as well! She is really trying to stand every minute these days, with the help of Ba.


Ba and Opa get ready to sit down for a delicious turkey dinner. Evie helped create the turkey placeholders using her handprint for all the turkeys in the family, including Ellie!

Bebe places Ellie in a nice seat near the head of the table, so she could see all the action.


Ellie was a very happy baby throughout dinner, for which we were very thankful!


Ba, Evie and Bebe enjoy the nice fire in the living room before turning in for some turkey naps.


Dad and Bebe put their heads together to talk turkey basting strategy!

Earlier that day, the family took some time to take some pictures for our holiday card with the help of Bebe. These are the shots that actually didn't make it into the holiday card, if you can believe it! Thanks Bebe for the great photo session and some beautiful pictures!

Luckily it was 60 degrees so Evie could run on the beach and play on the sand to her delight. She was running for the water as usual!

Ellie got a kick out of watching her sister's antics...

...which included dancing and twirling on the beach behind Mommy and Ellie.

We also got some great shots in the backyard among the holly and pine trees.

You can't help but have "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..." running through your head when you see this picture!

On Saturday we returned back home to start unpacking the Christmas decorations. We all got a little dusty and needed a bath - and Ellie is her happiest right after splashing in her tub, wrapped up in her peacock towel! What a great weekend for all, with much to be thankful for.

Ellie has her first bites...

Ellie is growing up fast! This week, she had her first bites of rice cereal and did rather well in keeping it in and swallowing! Must have been all those longing gazes at her sister Evie - finally she is getting a turn.

A little messy, but looks like Ellie will be ready for Thanksgiving next week!

The family journeyed out to Clemynijontri Park in McLean on a beautiful fall Saturday morning and met up with the Kallaur family. The kids had a great time - "Where's Evie?" Sam would call out as they ran from one area of the playground to the next.

There was so much for Ellie to absorb, she watched all the kids with eyes wide open. She especially liked standing in front of the "funhouse" mirror that made her look so tall (she loves any opportunity she can get to stand these days).

Ellie models her Ireland hoodie with pride.

Evie crawls into a rocket ship and gets ready for take-off!


Paul, Emily and Sam take a short break from the Chex muddy buddy mix to take a family picture!

Three Girls and a tall Daddy!

Bebe and Popi visit Alexandria

We had a lovely visit from Bebe and Popi this week. First stop was dinner at Southside 815 on Tuesday night, where the ribs, meatloaf, po'boys and pulled pork sandwiches were much enjoyed. The next day after Evie's preschool was finished, Dad, Popi and Bebe headed into the city to check out the National Building Museum.

Evie had her first taste of playing with legos.

Dad fed Ellie while Evie gets to building. She gets her inspiration from "This Old House."

Evie helps bring over Popi a selection of desserts - all of Popi's favorites - as we celebrate his birthday a couple of days early.

She also likes to show off her signature on his birthday card.




Ellie wants a piece of the action. The next day Bebe took Evie to ballet while Popi took Ellie for a stroll. It was a lovely visit for all! Thank you Bebe and Popi!

The sisters goofing around

The girls were in an especially happy mood tonight so we caught the moment on film. Here Evie is giving Ellie her silly face.

Here Ellie demonstrates her silly face.

No one can make Ellie laugh like Evie can. All she has to say is "scrambled eggs" and Ellie bursts into giggles.

Evie takes her big sister responsibilities very seriously - she loves hugging and kissing her little sister (and taking pictures of her too!).